iMET 9 Assignment

282 Strategies for Application and Presentation

Forum: Posting and Critiquing Preliminary Final Projects

04/01/07 Post Due 04/08/07
Critique Due 04/13/07

Writing Critiques
Study the work you are critiquing. Do not just give you opinion. When you find yourself writing whether you like something or not ask yourself WHY? And share that reasoning with your peer.

"Tone" is a very important part of a written critique. Write your comments in a word processing file first. Then read your posting out loud before you submit it. When you read your message out loud does it sound the way you would speak to a peer in person?

Your written critiques should provide both compliments and constructive feedback. This balance of feedback provides a learning experience for the receiver. Few benefit from all complementary or all constructive comments. Follow these critiquing guidelines when supplying feedback:

Constructive Feedback:

1. Never make derogatory comments
2. If you feel something could be improved, explain WHY it should be reconsidered
3. Always attempt to provide ideas for improvement
4. Challenge others with the intent of facilitating growth and improvement, not to simply say what could be better
5. Choose your words carefully, and steer away from negative words such as bad, poor, incorrect, etc.

Positive Feedback

1. ALWAYS begin and end your critique with compliments
2. Comment on the positive design choices
3. Read the content and refer to the specific value of the content
4. Acknowledge the hard work that has gone into the project
5. Note what is unique to the project and what you may have learned from reviewing the resource

Receiving Critiques
There are two sides to every critique. Often receiving a critique is just as challenging as providing one. Be open-minded when receiving feedback on your work. It is never easy to have your work critiqued. However, when it is done with your development and best interest in mind, constructive feedback can be an invaluable part of the creation process.

You are not required to implement your peer's suggestions or comments. However, you should consider what is said to be from a valid audience member and educated peer. Remember, you are creating a resource for the purpose of communication and teaching. Use the response of others to test your communication success.